Why were Plymouth Rocks historically central to homestead meat supply before modern specialized breeds?
Answer
They were developed as a classic dual-purpose breed balancing eggs and meat potential.
Plymouth Rocks, particularly the Barred variety, were foundational to American poultry history because they offered reliability in two critical areas: producing a dependable supply of large brown eggs and providing substantial meat when processed. This dual capability made them the backbone of the homestead meat supply before the specialization seen in breeds like the Cornish Cross. Historically, older birds were often utilized through slow-cooking methods like stewing or boiling, reflecting their primary role as providers for the family across both production cycles.
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